Takayuki Kishi was scratched from his start during line-up exchanges before the start of today’s game against the Softbank Hawks. He was replaced as a precaution after he complained of pain in his lower back during his pre-game bullpen session. He is not expected to be with the team when they travel to Tokyo. The Rakuten Eagles are planning to take a wait and see approach.

Kishi did not participate in practices on April 24 and instead rested. His back condition is not considered serious. There are currently no plans for him to get it tested at a hospital. He is considered day-to-day. The Eagles might skip him once in the rotation, depending on his condition. If not, his next start could come on April 30 against Nippon Ham at Sapporo Dome.